How it works

Order process, material options and colours

At Elle Bee we always aim to provide a simple, enjoyable and stress-free experience for your invitations and stationery. This guide outlines the ordering process along with an array of colours and materials to make your stationery truly yours.

We do recognise that there are a lot of options available so if you have any questions or need help, please contact us. You also have the option of booking in for a free, no-obligation consultation if required which you can do here.

The colours and materials below are for our digitally-printed house collections which can be ordered on our website. If you're looking for the process and options specific to our foiled and letterpress stationery then please visit the page here for details.

When to order

Timings can differ from couple to couple but we'd recommend the following as a general rule of thumb. If you're in a pinch then we do offer a fast-track service which reduces proofing and production time significantly. Please contact us for more details if required.

Save the Dates

Order 2-3 weeks before sending

We'd typically suggest save the dates are sent to your guests with around 12-18 months before the wedding day, allowing guests to make initial arrangements to attend.

Invitations

Order 4-6 weeks before sending

Whilst it can fluctuate, the average turnaround time for invitations from end-to-end is around 3-4 weeks.

Unlike save the dates where information is minimal, invitations can be formed of a lot of pieces, handmade elements and information, so we'd always advise leaving enough time.

Day Stationery

Order 6-8 weeks before wedding day

It may be the case that you only need a piece or two of on-the-day stationery but whether it's a simple requirements or a full set of items, we'd suggest ordering no later than 6-8 weeks before the day.

This will ensure that we have enough wiggle room to make late-notice changes before we go to print but we'd suggest signing off no closer than 2 weeks to your wedding day

Order Process

We have intentionally made the process as streamlined and simple as possible to ensure a stress-free, enjoyable experience. All orders go through the following timeline.

1. Place your Order

All orders are placed directly on our website by configuring your chosen options and making payment. No wording is collected when you're placing the order.

We will email you within 24-48 hours of you placing your order with a request for the wording and details required relating to the order you've placed.

2. Proofing

Upon receipt of your details we will prepare an initial digital proof for you to review. This will be completed within 5 business days.

We include two revision rounds beyond the initial draft so we can be sure that we've corrected any errors or stylistic adjustments. At the end of this process we will get you to sign off your proofs ready for production.

3. Production

Once proofs have been approved we will move your order into our production queue to be completed.

The length of time taken can vary dependent on a number of factors, such as the printing method used and how many handmade elements are included. Most orders are completed within 1-2 weeks but allow longer for foiling and letterpress.

4. Delivery

Upon completion of your order we will check and carefully pack for dispatch.

All orders are sent using a tracked courier service with a 48 hour turnaround time. If you're local to our Worcestershire studio then you have the option of collecting from us during studio hours.

Digital Printing

We run four digital printers in our studio (Wilma, Betty, Goose and Bertha), two of which have white ink capabilities.

What this enables us to do is print on any colour cardstock or paper, which can be especially useful for belly bands and envelope addressing. Whilst some providers will have to use labels for coloured envelopes, we don't have to meaning you get a consistent approach no matter the colours you're choosing.

Cardstock and Paper Colours

Quality materials are hugely important to us. Over the years we've refined our selection to ensure that no matter which colour(s) you choose, you'll be receiving stationery that uses the highest quality materials which we've extensively vetted and tested.

Colours marked with an asterisk(*) are available in a cardstock weight only, so aren't available as belly bands, envelopes, or envelope liners.

Wax Seals

Handmade in our Worcestershire studio, we offer a variety of wax colours as shown below. You can choose from a decorative unpersonalised design, or a personalised engraved monogram in three different shapes (Circular, Oval or Square)

Crema
Antique Copper
Blush
Antique Gold
Prosecco
Champagne
White
Buttercream
Silver
Mulberry
Vintage Rose
Dusty Rose
Peony Pink
Lavender
Clay
Black
Carbon
Thyme
Linen
Sitka
Sequoia
Navy Blue
Dusty Blue
Baby Blue
Circle Shape
Oval Shape
Square Shape

House Designs

Baroque
Canopy
Daisy
Eucalyptus
Fern
Fleur-de-Lis
Foliage
Garden
Holly
Lily
Palm
Rose
Snowdrop
With Love
Wreath

Personalised Monogram Designs

Alice
Bond Street
Eloise
Finsbury
Freya
Hannah
Harriet
Henley
Newbury
Sophia

Acrylic

Cut and engraved in our Worcestershire studio, we use high-quality 3mm acrylic in a variety of shades. Samples are available for getting as close a match to the scheme of your event.

Almond
Ash
Burgundy
Burnt Orange
China
Clay
Clear
Denim
Desert
Duck Egg
Dusky Blue
Dusky Pink
Frosted
Gold (Mirror)
Ink
Lavender
Marshmellow
Midnight
Mineral
Moonlight
Mulberry
Mushroom
Pale Pink
Pine
Rose Gold (Mirror)
Rose Petal
Sage
Silver (Mirror)